Northern Central Railway of York in New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Written By Kelsey Cecil

New Freedom, Pennsylvania · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesThemed excursions most weekends; see the event calendar for dates

The Northern Central Railway of York is a nonprofit heritage railroad in New Freedom that runs a replica 1860s steam locomotive and vintage diesels over the Civil War era Northern Central line, the route President Lincoln traveled on his way to Gettysburg.

  • Replica 1860s steam engine No. 17
  • On Lincoln's route to Gettysburg
  • Trips to historic Howard Tunnel
  • Excursions of 1 to 4 hours
  • Nonprofit, founded 2013
  • Rail trail runs beside the tracks

Northern Central Railway of York at a glance

Hours
Excursions most weekends; departure times on the event calendar
Admission
Varies by excursion; see the railroad's ticket page
Train rides
Round trips of 1 to 4 hours to Glen Rock, Hanover Junction and Howard Tunnel
Seasonal events
Howard Tunnel Special, Themed character trains, S.T.E.A.M. programs, STEAM Ahead Summer Camp
Plan for
1 to 4 hours, depending on the trip
Best for
Families, Civil War and Lincoln history fans
Best ages
Toddlers to age 12 on shorter trips
Parking
See the railroad's Directions and Parking page
Accessibility
A rider using a wheelchair reports staff called ahead to plan boarding; call to arrange

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Northern Central Railway of York? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to New Freedom.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Two founders, a lost line and the road to Gettysburg

During the Civil War, the Northern Central Railway between Harrisburg and Baltimore was a vital north to south route for Union troops and supplies. Confederate soldiers tore up its bridges, rolling stock and telegraph lines during Lee's invasion in June 1863, and after the Battle of Gettysburg the line carried wounded soldiers to hospitals in York, Baltimore and Harrisburg. That November, President Lincoln rode north over Northern Central tracks to Hanover Junction, where he changed trains for Gettysburg and the address he would give there. The Hanover Junction depot still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The modern railroad grew from the dream of two founders, William H. Simpson and D. Reed Anderson. Bill Simpson, a lifelong train lover from Ithaca, New York, was an Air Force Academy graduate and Harvard Law alumnus who led Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff in York for years. He died in 2012, before he could see the steam engine he had championed run. The operation opened as Steam into History on June 1, 2013, and took the historic Northern Central Railway name in 2019.

Today the railroad is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit. Its steam locomotive carries Simpson's name, its combine car honors Anderson, and its trains run where much of the countryside looks much as it did when Lincoln passed through.

Riding north from the New Freedom depot

Every excursion leaves from New Freedom, the railroad's southern depot, a station listed on the National Register in 1995 and rebuilt in 2003, when the York County Parks Department added a small railroad museum. From there, trains head north through the hills and fields of southern York County, past the town of Railroad, to Glen Rock (5 miles), Hanover Junction (9 miles) and Howard Tunnel (14 miles). Trips run from about an hour to four hours, and some stop at Hanover Junction so riders can explore the depot museum there.

Power comes from No. 17, the William H. Simpson, a replica 1860s American Standard 4-4-0 steam locomotive, or from vintage diesels No. 6076, nicknamed Workhorse, and No. 32. Riders choose between 1880s Civil War style coaches such as the Abraham Lincoln and New Freedom, a combine, a caboose, a gondola for bikes, and a 1950s mid-century Pullman atmosphere, including the 1949 Overland Trail lounge car. Interpreters in period dress narrate along the way.

Don’t miss

  1. No. 17, the William H. SimpsonA faithful replica of an 1860s 4-4-0 American Standard steam engine, named for the founder who dreamed it up.
  2. Howard TunnelThe historic rail tunnel 14 miles north of New Freedom is the destination of the railroad's longest trips.
  3. Hanover Junction depotWhere Lincoln changed trains on the way to Gettysburg; it is on the National Register and houses a museum.
  4. Overland Trail Pullman carA 1949 lounge car with a bar and plush seating, used on special trips like the Howard Tunnel Special.
  5. The cabooseRiders can sit in elevated cupola seats and wicker chairs for a different view of the line.
  6. New Freedom station museumA small railroad museum added during the 2003 reconstruction of the depot where every trip begins.

Cowboys, princesses and a STEAM camp

The railroad's themed weekends are built for families: kids can meet cowboys, presidents and princesses on board, and the shorter one-hour trip to Glen Rock suits toddlers. The railroad also runs S.T.E.A.M. programs for younger children, and families who join the STEAM Ahead Summer Camp have received a free train ride.

The York County Heritage Rail Trail runs right beside the tracks, so families can walk or bike before or after a ride. Rail bike excursions on the line are offered through American Rail Bikes Adventures.

Plan your visit: tips for Northern Central Railway of York

  • Pick the one-hour Glen Rock trip for little kids and the longer Howard Tunnel trip for older ones.
  • Groups of 15 or more get special pricing; book at least 30 days ahead.
  • Walk or bike the York County Heritage Rail Trail alongside the tracks.
  • Gift cards are sold online.

Themed trains fill the Northern Central's calendar, from character rides with cowboys and princesses to the Howard Tunnel Special with box lunch in the Overland Trail lounge car. The railroad says it brings the spirit of the season any time of year, so check its event calendar for fall and holiday trains, and see our guide to Christmas train rides in Pennsylvania for more options.

A nonprofit built on a founder's dream

The Northern Central Railway of York is a 501(c)(3) educational and charitable nonprofit, and its staff are known for going the extra mile, from calling ahead to plan a wheelchair boarding to narrating each trip. Visitors can help by donating, giving gift cards, booking a group outing, or simply riding.

Rail history on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line

The Stewartstown Railroad is only about 6 miles away, and the Ma and Pa Railroad Heritage Village about 13 miles. Across the state line, the Baltimore Streetcar Museum is about 30 miles south. For more in this state, see our guide to Pennsylvania train museums.

Every train museum in Pennsylvania

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The longest trips here end at Howard Tunnel, a real historic rail tunnel 14 miles up the line. I love that, because the tunnel is one of my favorite pages in our book: the train goes dark, everyone holds their breath, and then there is a big bright light and happy cheers. Rally rides through it tucked between Mom and Dad. If your kids like that moment, our coloring pages have a tunnel scene to color.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Northern Central Railway of York?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Northern Central Railway of York: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Northern Central Railway of York?

The railroad is based in New Freedom, York County, Pennsylvania, about a mile north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Its address is 117 N Front St, New Freedom, PA 17349, and all excursions depart from the New Freedom depot. Call (717) 942-2370 for directions.

Where is the Northern Central Railway headquarters?

The Northern Central Railway of York's office is at 117 N Front St, New Freedom, PA 17349, with an engine house at 2 West Main Street in New Freedom. Mail goes to PO Box 128, New Freedom, PA 17349. Reach the office at (717) 942-2370 or info@northerncentralrailway.com.

Who owns the Northern Central Railway of York?

The Northern Central Railway of York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational and charitable organization founded in 2013. Its founders were William H. Simpson and D. Reed Anderson. It opened as Steam into History and adopted the Northern Central Railway name in 2019.

What is Northern Central Railway No. 17?

No. 17, the William H. Simpson, is the railroad's steam locomotive, a replica of an 1860s 4-4-0 American Standard engine common in the mid to late 1800s. It was custom built by Kloke Locomotive Works between 2010 and 2013 and is named for the co-founder who died before seeing it run.

What excursions does the Northern Central Railway of York offer?

Excursions range from 1 to 4 hours. The one-hour round trip goes to Glen Rock, a trip of about two and a half hours goes to Hanover Junction with a layover at the depot museum, and the longest, about three and a half hours, goes to Howard Tunnel. Themed trips run throughout the year.

How much are Northern Central Railway of York tickets?

Ticket prices vary by excursion and seating and were not listed in the information we reviewed. Check the Buy Tickets page at northerncentralrailway.com for current fares, or call (717) 942-2370. Groups of 15 or more can get special pricing.

What does the Northern Central Railway of York route look like on a map?

Trains start at New Freedom and run north. The town of Railroad is 1 mile north, Glen Rock 5 miles, Hanover Junction 9 miles and Howard Tunnel 14 miles. The York County Heritage Rail Trail runs right alongside much of the track, connecting the same towns.

What happens if it rains on the Northern Central Railway?

A weather policy was not included in the information we reviewed. The railroad's coaches are enclosed, while one car may be set up as an open air car in summer and fall. Check the Policies page at northerncentralrailway.com or call (717) 942-2370 if the forecast looks rough.

Can groups tour the Northern Central Railway of York?

Yes. Groups of 15 or more can get special pricing on scheduled excursions or book a whole car or train. Trips can be 1, 2.5 or 3.5 hours, with dining options. The railroad needs at least 30 days notice. Call (717) 942-2370 ext. 101 or use the group sales form online.

Did Abraham Lincoln ride the Northern Central Railway?

Yes. In November 1863, Lincoln traveled north from Baltimore over Northern Central tracks to Hanover Junction, where he changed trains to continue to Gettysburg and deliver his address. The Hanover Junction depot still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

What was the Northern Central Railway's role in the Civil War?

The original line between Harrisburg and Baltimore was a key route for moving Union troops and supplies. Confederate troops destroyed bridges, cars and telegraph lines along it in June 1863, and after Gettysburg the railroad carried wounded soldiers to hospitals in York, Baltimore and Harrisburg.

Is there a museum at the Northern Central Railway?

Yes, two. The New Freedom station, rebuilt in 2003, includes a railroad museum added by the York County Parks Department. On Hanover Junction trips, the layover gives riders time to explore the museum at the historic Hanover Junction depot.

What is the Howard Tunnel on the Northern Central Railway?

Howard Tunnel is a historic rail tunnel 14 miles north of New Freedom and the farthest destination on the line. The Howard Tunnel trips are the railroad's longest, about three and a half hours, and special versions have included a box lunch in the 1949 Overland Trail Pullman lounge car.

Is the Northern Central Railway of York good for kids?

Yes. Themed trains let kids meet cowboys, presidents and princesses, and the one-hour Glen Rock trip is a good length for young children. The railroad also runs S.T.E.A.M. programs for younger ages and a STEAM Ahead Summer Camp.

Is the Northern Central Railway wheelchair accessible?

The railroad does not post detailed accessibility information online, but one reviewer says staff called the day before to plan boarding for her father, who uses a wheelchair, and it went perfectly. Call (717) 942-2370 ahead of your trip to make arrangements.

What locomotives does the Northern Central Railway of York use?

The railroad lists steam engine No. 17, the William H. Simpson, and two diesels, No. 6076, nicknamed Workhorse, and No. 32. The locomotive for each trip varies, so check the event listing if you want to ride behind steam.

What coaches can I ride on the Northern Central Railway?

The railroad offers 1880s Civil War era style coaches, including the Abraham Lincoln, New Freedom and South Branch coaches and the D. Reed Anderson combine, plus a caboose with cupola seats. For a 1950s feel, the Overland Trail Pullman lounge car has a bar and plush seating.

Can I bring a bike on the Northern Central Railway?

The railroad's gondola car has been used to hold bikes on Bike Aboard trains, and the York County Heritage Rail Trail runs beside the tracks. Rail bike excursions on the line are offered separately through American Rail Bikes Adventures. Check the current calendar for bike trips.

What are reviews of the Northern Central Railway of York like?

Reviews the railroad shares mention friendly staff, clean bathrooms, good narration and pretty farm and forest scenery. Riders praise the Overland Trail lounge car and box lunches on the Howard Tunnel Special, and families like moving between cars on longer trips.

What train attractions are near the Northern Central Railway of York?

The Stewartstown Railroad is about 6 miles away and the Ma and Pa Railroad Heritage Village about 13 miles. In Maryland, the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum is about 28 miles, and the Baltimore Streetcar Museum and B&O Railroad Museum are about 30 miles away.

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